MA - THESIS OPTION

Program of Study

The program of study for students pursuing a Master of Arts via the thesis option is as follows:

  • Five (5 or 6) one-term courses (depending on the stream). A minimum of three courses selected from the School of Kinesiology Graduate Programs offerings. The remaining courses are normally graduate or senior undergraduate courses approved by the student’s advisor and Chair of the Graduate Program. Unless students can demonstrate equivalency from their undergraduate program, one of the 5/6 one-term courses must be in statistics, research design, or equivalent.
  • A thesis. The process whereby the student satisfactorily completes the thesis requirement is progressive in nature. The preliminary steps are informal: the student is accepted by an Advisor prior to admission, the research problem is discussed, modified and/or delimited, and a research design or format is agreed upon. The prospectus is then developed, a prospectus meeting is held, and the research problem is discussed with an Advisory Committee (plus one or two other faculty). The student then completes the project (i.e., collects the data, undertakes the library research etc.). The thesis should involve original work, and give evidence of independent thought, both in perceiving problems and making satisfactory progress toward their solution. The prospectus should be completed within one year of admission. Familiarity with the bibliography of the special area of study and correct citation of authorities is expected. Once this thesis work is completed, the student, in consultation with the Advisor, writes the thesis. An examining committee is then arranged for the oral examination. To graduate, both the written thesis and oral defense must be deemed satisfactory

Period of Study

The minimum residency period for the master ‘s degree is one year of full time study, and most students complete the requirements for the degree in two years. Master’s students are expected to continue their studies full time during the summer term.

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